We have just celebrated Independence Day—July 4. We live in an exceptional country; by that I mean that our country is unlike any other in history. Our Constitution places limits on the powers the federal government can have. Since the natural tendency of anyone in power is to grab for more and more control over others, our Founders wisely restricted this potential through separation of powers and the consent of the governed to yield power to the leaders in a limited fashion. Our Declaration of Independence states that we the people have certain unalienable rights (which cannot be taken from us), given to us by our Creator, not by government. No other nation has been blessed with the freedoms we enjoy, and which we, unfortunately, often take for granted.

Have you ever noticed from Scripture that our nation’s history in many ways parallels that of ancient Israel? Solomon had become king following his father David. The Queen of Sheba came to call on Solomon after his throne had become firmly established and Israel was at peace. She said in II Chronicles 9:8: “Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne as king to rule for the Lord your God. Because of the love of your God for Israel and his desire to uphold them forever, he has made you king over them to maintain justice and righteousness.”
Let’s examine this verse more closely: “Praise to the Lord your God…” God deserves all praise from us. “…who has delighted in you…” Do you realize that God is absolutely crazy about you? “…and placed you on his throne…” All power and authority belong to God. Government leaders serve as His agents in this world. “as king to rule for the Lord your God…” Solomon was made king to serve as God’s representative in earthly matters. If only all human leaders (of any sort) would realize this and live accordingly! “Because of the love of your God for Israel…” Israel was God’s chosen people to represent Him before other nations of the world, not because they were better or stronger than anyone else, but because He loved them! “…and his desire to uphold them forever…” How many times have the wicked of the earth attempted to wipe out Israel or Christ’s church, only to fail? “…he has made you king…” It was no accident that Solomon had come to the throne at such a time. “to maintain justice and righteousness.” As go the leaders, so goes the nation. Thank the Lord for the United States of America! We have a great work to do because we serve a great God.